IO Interactive releases the first truly massive free add-on 007 First sight of dawn. The expansion, called “Operation Expansion”, was released on October 1 together with update version 1.3.0 and adds some long-awaited features to the game: New Game+ mode, full-fledged photo mode, maximum difficulty level 00, new missions in the tactical simulation, additional weapons and costumes. In addition, the developers have made over 700 fixes and improvements, including those based on post-launch player feedback.
Extended operations It actually expands on Dawn in several ways. For those who have already completed the campaign, the most notable new feature will be “New Game+”. This mode opens after completing the main story on any difficulty and allows you to start the adventure again with greater freedom in choosing gear. Meanwhile, you can replay the game from the beginning or from any completed checkpoint.
One of the main innovations of the mode is mission clothing. During replays, players can open the magazine and select any previously unlocked Bond costume, then continue the chosen mission with the new look. The system also works when restarting from a checkpoint, so an agent’s appearance is no longer strictly tied to a specific plot point of the episode.
An equally important change is the functionality Gadgets on demand. After the first playthrough, James has the opportunity to directly change the gadgets that are turned on during the mission, without having to wait for the next story chapter. This allows you to better adapt your equipment to the current situation and try different passing styles. However, the developers have retained a progression-related restriction: you can only use the Q devices you’ve unlocked so far in the story.
For experienced players, the plugin prepares a separate test – Difficulty 00. It becomes available after completing the campaign and offers the most rigorous version of 007 First Light. Enemies will notice suspicious activity more quickly, react more harshly to discovered corpses and other distractions, and certain enemy types will be replaced with more dangerous varieties. Combat becomes less forgiving: the window for parry and dodge is reduced, and Bond only needs to be hit twice before dying in combat. At the same time, the use of gadgets is restricted, and the power of some devices can only be partially restored.
However, IO Interactive cannot connect “New Game+” Completely on maximum difficulty. After unlocking the mode, players can independently combine new features: unusual costumes and a flexible gadget system are also allowed at lower difficulty levels. This allows replays to be individually customized to suit your own play style.
Another long-awaited feature is photo mode. Now you can freeze any suitable moment, and later you can manually adjust camera position, lens, brightness and filters, and add character poses and various frames. Thanks to this, players will be able to take their own photos, whether of calm scenes or large-scale action scenes – from snow to neon streets.
The regime also significantly expanded tactical simulation. The update includes Valhalla Protocol, exclusive to the Aston Martin Valhalla. Bond must drive an armed supercar through the mountains of Slovakia and undergo multiple tests where he must destroy targets, complete additional missions and earn as many points as possible. IO Interactive has prepared four variations of the campaign, designed for different conditions and times of day. The vehicle comes equipped with weapons familiar from the main campaign.
Second New TacSim Content – Operations jungle robberywhich takes Bond back to the Pearl Hotel in Vietnam. This time the protagonist needs to enter the territory of a guarded villa and retrieve documents from the safe. At the same time, the developers have significantly expanded the available space: nearly all areas of the facility are operational, including the rooftop, and the villa interiors have been redesigned to allow for more concealed access options. IO Interactive particularly emphasizes that different attempts should have different feelings, which is in line with TacSim’s more sandy approach.
This add-on also expands the tactical simulation arsenal. The Storm 12 Gauge and Squire Marksman Rifle have been added to the game, and all weapons from the main campaign are now available in TacSim. Three new costumes also appear – Observing Spy, Casual Beam and First Class.
A separate small but interesting innovation greets players directly at MI6 headquarters. A pit bull named Jack appears next to the TacSim area and can be petted. So even British Intelligence Headquarters gets a little extra life thanks to a four-legged employee.
IO Interactive also worked seriously on the general technical part of the game. Patch Notes 1.3.0 lists over 700 fixes and improvements affecting crashes, progress blocks, visual bugs, sounds, localization, interface, achievements, camera and AI behavior. In addition, the developers have also redesigned the weapon operation animation: reloading, aiming switching, changing weapons and throwing become smoother.
Extended Operations continues the line of products IO Interactive has been building since launch. Back in July, the 1.1.0 update added multiple TacSim missions and new rewards, with the studio promising to develop the game within the first year of release. In August, IO Interactive reported 4 million copies sold and reiterated plans to regularly expand with tactical simulations, weapons, gadgets, cosmetics and other elements.